Defense wins championships, they say. Not only that, but incredible defensive plays are also some of the most exciting and satisfying parts of the game of volleyball.

Here are 12 unbelievable digs and saves from 2016.

1. Two crafty saves in a row helped earn this point for Poland's men's national team.

2. Natalie Hagglund came out of nowhere to snag this dig.

3. With this save, Max Holt proved that middles can be agile, too.

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4. Canada's Ben Saxton and Chaim Schalk keep this play alive with two incredible saves.

5. Wisconsin setter Lauren Carlini does it all. 

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6. Sometimes, even for Nick the Quick, it's more about being low and balanced than being speedy.

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7. This dig was incredible, but this season featured many just like it for star UCLA libero Taylor Formico.

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8. Kerri Walsh Jennings and April Ross are known for being fierce offensive players, but it's their defense that makes them extraordinary.

9. Alvaro Filho's two digs set up his partner Vitor Felipe for the pokey kill at the Maceio Open.

10. BYU's Makenna Santiago stuck out an arm at the last minute to keep this deep swing in play.

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11. Michigan setter MacKenzi Welsh with a save just past the pole in the NCAA tournament match versus Creighton.

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12. UCLA's Micah Ma'a never lets the bench get in his way. 

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